A young Unionist candidate for the upcoming Foyle election is hoping to shake things up in the political arena.
Derry City and Strabane District Councillor Ryan McCready of the Ulster Unionist Party has taken to social media with his numerous hobbies, including surfing, to give the public a different view of those who represent them politically.
Wanting to bring a new perspective to politics and showcase young Unionist politicians, Ryan McCready spoke to MyDerry about his hopes and goals for the city and region.
He said: "My vision for Foyle and the North West is simple. It is one of transformation.
"For this city to be the ‘place to be’, to be a thriving, vibrant and welcoming city for both its people and for those who come to make it their home.
"A place which is attractive to students, notable to external investment and the hidden jewel for tourism. A city which is more interested in shaping the future rather than living in the past.
"The city's future has not yet been written, the power is in the pen which sits firmly in the hands of its people.
"For the city to be truly transformed, it requires a change in mindset to a positive, ambitious and visionary one, just as much as much as the much needed infrastructure development and economic stimulus such as the A6 A5 upgrades, Magee Campus expansion and the upcoming City Deal."
For Ryan, he hopes that his platform encourages other young people who want to become involved in shaping society find the confidence to do so.
He said: " I aspire to encourage every single young person to be the best version of themselves and take individual responsibility in shaping their own futures.
"I want to inspire this generation to find their purpose in life and have the confidence to think differently and be a positive influence on each other and also reassure our older generation, that they are valued members of our society and not to fear change, as change is how we all shape the future together.
" It is vitally important that the younger generation of Unionists are not only visible, but take an active part in contributing to society in any aspect in order to play their part in shaping the future.
"Unfortunately, for far too long younger unionists have not had the representation, opportunity or platform to be heard in the City, I am playing a small but important role to change this."
Ryan is building upon his own experience of struggling to re-integrate into society to change things for the better.
He said: "On returning to Northern Ireland from my time in the military, I found it difficult to reintegrate into society, find school places, housing, I thought surely it is not just me.
"I quickly realised that the current state of societal structures were either at breaking point or systematically flawed. It became apparent that political organisations were more concerned with politics itself as opposed to delivering for the local people. So I looked into it and thought I could give it a go and give something back."
A recent video of Ryan surfing showed a different side to politicians that the public normally get to see. Ryan told MyDerry that he hopes it will help break down political stereotypes.
He said: "I intend on smashing what is deemed as normal for politicians. I am doing this through openness and showing the people that I am only a person, nothing special.
"Just like everyone, I have hobbies and interests, such as surfing, hiking, camping, climbing to name a few. Part of this is that I want to be a positive role model in people's lives to encourage them to get out there and live life to the fullest, try new things and to adopt a positive mind set."
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